Whittier Miscellany April Fools Issue 2026

Whittier Miscellany The

April Fools Issue 2026 • Wilmington Friends School’s Community Newspaper • Wilmington, DE

PROM IS CANCELLED

Zoe Mooney-Doyle ‘27 Staff Writer

The devastating news for juniors and seniors just came out; prom, as of now, is cancelled. The clerks of the prom committee made the announcement that, for confidential reasons, they can not continue planning the prom. But that leaves room for question, why was it cancelled?

A rumor has spread that Matthew McKenzie ‘27, a junior at Wilmington Friends School, was the reason the prom was cancelled. Some wonder how in the world it could have been because of Matthew, but it has been said that there were many steps in his cancellation of the prom.

The first thing Matthew did that contributed to canceling the prom was stealing the money that was gained by the prom committee at a fundraiser. During the most recent fundraiser for prom, Matthew found a way to distract everyone and grab the money while no one was looking. Next thing they know, all of the money they had raised is now somehow missing.

saw that there was no money in the cash box!”

Lucy White ‘27, one of the clerks for the prom committee, said, “One minute we were at the table collecting money from students, then next there was this loud boom in the room over. Once everything had settled, we went back and

Administration Confirms: Amoeba Sisters to Replace Mrs. Norton and Mrs. Cox

Liza Green ‘27 Staff Writer

Two of our favorite and tenured teachers here at WFS are soon to be replaced by the beloved, highly competent, animated YouTube stars, Pinky and Petunia Amoeba. This replacement is to be enacted in the coming school year, and has caught many students by surprise.

“We feel completely blindsided by this,” stated the biology department. Mrs. Norton and Mrs. Cox were asked if they had felt betrayed. They responded, “Absolutely I feel betrayed. I start every unit with one of their videos to introduce the topic to my students,” says Cox. They were then asked if they felt that the Amoeba Sisters would make an on-par replacement for the biology department at Wilmington Friends. “Definitely not,” states Norton. “How do you expect them to run labs without hands?”

One student asks if they are trained to teach the IB curriculum. Admin responds, “Yes, the Sisters have extensive knowledge of all Biology curriculums, and will absolutely be qualified to teach the IB content.”

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This almost seems like it came straight from a movie, but normally in movies, the money has to go somewhere, and something is done with it. Well, with information from some anonymous sources, we have received news that once Matthew took all the money, he booked a flight straight to Vegas.

The only reason a person would book a flight to Vegas is for the gambling. This led to many questions, like: Did he tell anyone he was doing this? Does anyone else know? Did he have any accomplices? Hopefully, with more information, those questions will be answered.

We do know that there must have been someone working with him because there is knowledge of what he did with the money in Vegas. First, he booked the Empathy Suite at the Palms Casino Resort, which costs $100,000 per night with a two-night minimum. Then, once he unpacked his suitcase, he made a reservation at the Top of the World steakhouse that overlooks all of Vegas. He knew this was an expensive restaurant, so he went all in. He ordered the lobster entree and steak on the side, a little surf and turf. Once he was stuffed to the brim with delicious food, he burned it all off at the casino and worked his magic.

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A Problem with Parking: A New System to be put in Place!

Ellie McQuillan ‘28 Staff Writer

Starting on the first of May, a new parking system will be enforced for all student drivers who use campus parking. This winter’s snowfall has highlighted Friend’s lack of parking, as much of the street parking has become inaccessible due to the frosty conditions. The spring also brings a new influx of sophomore students who can drive, only furthering the problem.

Upperclassmen have experienced issues with parking when returning from off-campus free periods or arriving late to school. Anna Friel ‘26 says, “Sometimes I go off campus to get lunch, and when I return, I have to circle the parking lot for a spot. When there isn’t one, I have to find appropriate parking on the street, which can result in being late for class.” The parking shortage shouldn’t be a barrier to students’ learning, so change is necessary.

This new system will be referred to as the “Odd and Even” system, which relies on the last digit of one’s license being odd or even. Each group will be scheduled on different days, where they can park in the on-campus spaces. The school’s administration has reviewed and confirmed that the number of vehicles with odd and even license plate numbers is relatively equal, allowing this system to function effectively. Students will have to resort to ride-share or being dropped off when it is not their group’s day. Friel ‘26 says, “I pass a lot of my friends’ houses on my way to school, so I could easily give them a ride some days!”

If a student’s car is found parked at school on a day that’s not theirs, a warning will be issued. If the offense is recurring, the student will be sent to SDC (Student Disciplinary Committee) for further action, such as suspension. Students must comply with this new system as it is necessary for the school to run smoothly and to continue prioritizing academics.

All staff will be excluded from this system, and to limit confusion, specific parking spots will be allotted for faculty only. Staff parking will be found near the Jones house, in addition to the first row of parking in front of the “Arches” entrance. All parking spaces for faculty will be marked clearly, with Mr. Neiswender noting that, “Faculty spaces will be marked with eye-catching spray paint to hopefully avoid possible confusion.”

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New Mandatory Summer Program Coming to WFS

Isla White ‘29 Staff Writer

At each grade level in elementary, middle, and high school, you acquire different academic skills designed to prepare you for adulthood and further education in college. When thinking about going to college, you wonder about what major you’re choosing, the size of the school, the location, and the price. Additionally, you have to choose where you will live. Most choose a dorm, but others may opt for an apartment. Some choose to stay at home and commute. If you do choose to live away from home, you must become more independent, make your own food, do your own laundry, etc. These practical skills are not currently part of the WFS curriculum. To fill this gap in education, Wilmington Friends is offering a mandatory summer program to help prepare students for college life. Erica Brown, who works in the college guidance office, says, “This program is a fantastic way for students to experience what it’s like being on your own in college and having to do all of these things for yourself.”

This summer program teaches students four key non-academic skills over 5 weeks, with 1 week dedicated to each skill and an additional week reserved for the final exam. The first week is dedicated to Life Skills and Independence, including laundry, cleaning, and cooking. This week, you will learn how to separate clothing, set washer settings, choose good brands, and navigate communal laundry rooms. You will also learn good cleaning techniques, like which circular motion to use when wiping down the counters, or whether to organize your books on your bookshelf by author, color, or genre. For the cooking portion, you will learn how to make simple, healthy, homemade meals without using premade ingredients. Brown states, “I believe it is crucial to teach students these skills because too often I hear of students who go away to college and DoorDash everything, all of the time.”

In the second week, students will engage in an immersive Financial Literacy program designed to build real-world money-management skills. Parents will be invited to participate for two to three days, for three hours each session, fostering a collaborative learning environment. This week, students will receive a personal budget and learn how to open and manage a bank account, understand the benefits and responsibilities of using

Aliens Spotted at Miller Field

Henrik Maansson ‘27 Staff Writer

Last week, during Winter Track practice, aliens from Mars made an unexpected visit with students. The aliens, who preferred the name “Greeners,” wanted to inquire about the school’s involvement in foreign languages as a means of communicating with other schools, such as Ursiline.

One of the track members, Bella Davis, ‘27, described the visit as unexpected but not surprising. She later went on to say that the Greeners had been orbiting the Delmarva Peninsula for a while and had even attempted a landing back in January. Unfortunately, the Greeners’ visit came during one of the snow days, and no one was at the school to greet them.

To aid in educating the Greeners, students from different language courses met them on the bleachers, where they offered the Greeners Gatorade as a gesture of peace and willingness to help. The visitors were very gracious upon accepting the Gatorade, as it is a delicacy on the planet Mars, available only within the volcano they call Olympus Mons. One of the students who met with the Greeners was Jack Byrns ‘27. Jack takes French

debit and credit cards, and explore practical strategies for saving money. The curriculum will include interactive workshops and hands-on activities that encourage students to make informed financial decisions. For example, students will be provided with a simulated budget and a list of required items to “purchase”, as well as optional, fun items to tempt their spending. This exercise will challenge them to prioritize needs versus wants, compare prices, practice tracking expenses, and brainstorm creative ways to save. Additionally, group discussions and reflection sessions with parents will help reinforce financial habits and provide real-life perspectives on budgeting and saving.

In the third week, students will focus on a skill called Professionalism. This will include several components, one of the most important being time management. Students will learn to manage their time effectively, ensuring they complete their responsibilities while also making time for things they enjoy, such as hanging out with friends or going out for a sweet treat. For a few hours, they will spend time with friends and will be free to choose their activities, while also receiving a list of suggested options. Another segment is teamwork and communication. Students will learn how to be better partners, including how to express their ideas clearly while remaining open-minded and supportive. To practice this, they will be placed in groups mostly made up of classmates they do not usually talk to, and they will have to complete a challenging task together. This task may be frustrating and may spark strong disagreements, but they will need to negotiate and develop a final solution. The last segment of this skill is networking and interviewing, where students will learn to present themselves professionally in job interviews and other important opportunities. They will participate in mock interviews with “a lot on the line” and under realistic pressure to practice using their networking skills and approach the experience confidently and positively.

For the fourth and final week, designated for learning a new skill, the focus is on Personal Health. In this class, you will learn to manage stress and self-care routines. Students will learn how to manage their stress and how to do so. Counselor Danielle Literelle, who will be teaching the class, says, “I am very excited to be teaching this class in the summer because I think that personal health is very important, especially when you’re away from your family and friends, so it can be harder to ask for help.” Students will be taught how to care for them-

at Wilmington Friends and has managed to teach them some common

Morgan Kim words, such as bonjour and merci.

The students then showed them to the Porta-Potty, or as the Greeners put it, the “Throne of Continents.”

The Greeners were so mesmerized by the artifact that they completely remodeled the tennis courts for free. The visitors also copied the bathroom design onto a tablet to replicate the same structure on their home planet, Mars.

The Winter Track team’s students then asked about the spaceship the Greeners had traveled in to reach

selves, especially during a big change. College can bring a lot of new stress, especially when you are learning other things that aren’t academic. Literelle states that ”This curriculum is really about bridging that gap between high school and the next level. I want these students to step onto campus with a good health understanding, so when those high-stress moments hit, they have the resilience to navigate them successfully.”

For the final week of this summer program, students will be tested on these new skills to later help them in college. Wilmington Friends believes this summer program is an excellent opportunity to expose students to experiences beyond academics that they will encounter throughout college. Through hands-on activities, real-world problem-solving, and collaborative projects, students will develop practical skills and adaptability that will build their independence. The program is designed to ensure they are well-prepared to engage fully with the broader world of college and adulthood.

Earth. They called it the Zarla 2000 because it could go 2000 times the speed of sound. The Greeners brought the students on board and showed them the innovations and technologies needed to reach Earth. One of the students, Kevin Byrns ‘29, described the amenities on board the spacecraft as “extraordinary.” Going on to say how there were several different laboratories to study the different environments of space, such as the Kuiper Asteroid Belt and the Lower Earth’s Orbit space junk. Kevin also described the spaceship containing a fully stocked kitchen full of Clif bars, which the Greeners said were remarkably easy on the stomach during space travel.

The Greeners also showed the students the rocketship’s command center, where all the programs, computers, and steering instruments were operated and controlled. The Greeners also showed the students the four-function calculators they had been using for their space travel calculations. In response, the students showed the Greeners a TI-84 calculator and a Desmos computer program. The Greeners were shocked by the complexity and usefulness of these two technologies. After being shown the calculators, the Greeners quickly began incorporating TI-84 calculators into the space command system, as well as Desmos.

All in all, the students and Greeners rather enjoyed the diplomatic meeting and plan to meet again next year.

The Downfall of Punxsutawney Phil

Kylie Poole ‘28 Staff Writer

Since the first snowfall of 2026, the East Coast has hoped for the end of winter and the approaching spring. When Groundhog Day on February 2nd comes around, all eyes are on Punxsutawney Phil in hopes of his prediction that spring is soon to come. On Monday, February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, meaning there will be six more weeks of winter.

The east had already suffered a large snowfall and very cold weather earlier in the year, and was hoping to get closer to the warm spring. Backlash from this decision began with Instagram posts criticizing Punxsutawney Phil’s decision, which eventually inspired physical action. Pennsylvania and Delaware residents decided to take matters into their own hands after this verdict from Groundhog Day.

A riot whose motto is “Down with Phil, May Spring Come Shortly” stormed the streets of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on February 4th, 2026. In attendance were thousands of Pennsylvanians and Delawareans who were repulsed by the idea of six more weeks of winter. The rioters stormed the place where Phil was held and killed him on the spot.

Kate Coletti ’28, a Delaware rioter, states, “Phil disobeyed what everyone in the East Coast wanted, which was spring to finally be here, but no, he had to see his shadow and ruin the next month and a half for us.” As a result of Punxsutawney’s verdict, East Coast civilians were very angered, which in the end, cost Punxsutawney his life.

At the riot, the rioters marched from the Punx-

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The Whittier Miscellany April Fools Issue 2026

sutawney Weather Discovery Center to Phil’s Burrow, holding pitchforks and signs reading “Down with Phil” and “Let Spring Come Soon”. Thousands of people, from ages 12 to 57, gathered with the same common interest: the absence of Punxsutawney Phil for years to come.

At the scene of the execution, Victor Montejo ’28 was an eyewitness. Montejo ‘28 states, “There were a lot of people surrounding his burrow, and I got lucky to get a front row view of what happened. A man broke the glass on the burrow, grabbed Punxsutawney Phil, and held him in the air like he was a carnival prize. He then killed him point-blank.” The killing of Phil was brutal, and some

A Problem with Parking: A New System to be put in Place!

The “Odd and Even” system aims to help new drivers slowly integrate into the chaos of a parking lot full of young drivers. “I think this system will create a less overwhelming environment for me, since it will eliminate a lot of the surrounding traffic and therefore some of the stress,” says Kate Coletti ‘28. With cars pulling in and out of spaces and drivers rushing or not fully awake, parking lots can be hectic for new drivers who are still learning the ropes.

Mr. Neiswender hopes the “Odd and Even” system can address the increase in late arrivals to class. “Upper School attendance has noted that many students have attributed their tardiness to problems with parking, which is taking away from our students’ learning,” Mr. Neiswender says. Jack Brynes ‘27 has had personal experience with this issue. “I arrived at school at around 7:50 am, but was unable to find an open spot. I had to find an open spot on the street, which took longer than anticipated, thus making my brothers and me late to class,” Byrnes ‘27 says.

In the coming weeks, a Google Sheet will be sent out, listing the names of those in each group. On April 15th, the schedule will be released via email. The schedule will be based on days of the week rather than the school’s typical 7-day rotating schedule to ensure a more equal split of days across groups. Additionally, by April 15th, students need to report their license plate numbers to the school. Otherwise, they cannot park on campus for the remainder of the 2025-26 school year!

The “Odd and Even” system will hopefully allow all students to find parking spaces with ease at all times of the day, without taking away from their school day and impeding on their ability to learn. By starting on May 1st, we will have a month to test the system and make the necessary changes to have it fully ready and working for the 202627 school year!

Americans found it hard to watch, especially since he was a well-celebrated groundhog.

Punxsutawney Phil had resided in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, since 1887, which was when the first Groundhog Day was celebrated. Legend has it that Punxsutawney Phil is an immortal groundhog who has been alive for over 140 years, because there is a special drink he takes that, with every sip, adds 7 years to his lifespan. Though some people may believe this, it is known to be a legend, as the average lifespan of a groundhog in captivity is only 14 years.

Phil had made predictions about the upcoming weather for many previous years, and yet no significant rebellion was taken against him over whether he saw his shadow or not. This year, however, was different since the snowstorms and the unenjoyable weather for most. 77% of the rioters were found to be participating out of nervousness for another winter storm, according to NBC News. Punxsutawney’s decision made people even more nervous about another winter storm, and action was taken against him out of concern for the daily lives of Americans who have already been through a treacherous winter thus far.

Though Phil may have died tragically, he was a beloved groundhog by many and was a large part of American and Canadian Culture. Evelyn Renzo ’28 states, “Punxsutawney Phil was a large part of my childhood, and even though a little part of me is happy he is dead now, I do miss the feeling of waiting to hear in Groundhogs’ day if he sees his shadow or not.” Punxsutawney Phil was a major part of many people’s upbringing, and though most are content with the idea that he is no longer alive, it still affects many young children who look up to his decisions. Punxsutawney was a beloved yet also hated groundhog who may or may not have deserved his death by radical East Coast citizens on February 4th.

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PROM IS CANCELLED

At first, he was doing really well, kept winning, and getting lucky. With that positive energy, he bought tickets to see Bad Bunny at the Sphere. After feeling great, Matthew went to play some poker and had a good feeling about the game. It seemed like things were just getting better and better by the second.

Matthew was winning games left and right and making a wild profit. He thought he should call it a night, since he had practically won every game, so he called an Uber back to his suite. When a car pulled up, he thought it was his Uber, but it was actually a group of thieves who had heard about how much money he had won. They robbed him right in the street and took everything he had.

He was in a state of complete shock and didn’t know what he should do next. He booked a flight straight home, with the little money he didn’t gamble away, since he had school the next day. Throughout his whole trip, he forgot to think about one thing: What will happen when he comes back to school?

When Mrs. Miller was working with the prom committee to figure out a way to get the money back, she said, “We will get the money back, but we need to find a way to do it quickly. Prom is coming fast, and we have to start talking to different locations and restaurants.” Once Matthew got back, everybody was shocked that he showed his face again.

OCHS Prom

Photo: https://ovsjournalists.com/2024/04/17/prom-24/

WFS Gets A New Sports Team

Colton Loeffler ‘29 Staff Writer

Schools across the country are continuing to get Esports teams, and Wilmington Friends is one of them. Esports will be a winter sport, and Mr. Greenman, athletic director at Wilmington Friends, states, “I hope that this will allow for more students to play a winter sport, because as of now, winter sports have the least amount of athletes competing.”

According to Mr. Greenman, the school will compete in Madden, College Football, Mario Kart, and Rocket League competitions across the East Coast. Due to the state of Delaware not having any esports competitions, our school will compete against Pennsylvania schools.

Many gaming students praise this, like Uday Bhuva ‘29, who says, “I would love to compete in Rocket League competitions, and hopefully with some of my buddies.” A former Rocket League player, Noah Underwood, has volunteered to coach this Esports team, and he says, “I think this will be a fun experience for me and for the students,”

Olympic Games: Canceled

Rumi Madonna ‘28 Staff Writer

On February 28th, 2026, The Olympic Council officially announced that the winter Olympics is canceled until further notice. Several winter events, including but not limited to, long distance skiing, ski-jumping, and snowboarding have been officially canceled.

However, many athletes have not been allowed to return home; The Olympic Council and Italian government aimed to keep the illusion of the winter Olympics continuing, considering the tense international state of the world. Using several tracking technologies and advanced AI rendering, the Olympic team was able to produce video footage so convincing it went unnoticed until February 13th. After a pre-recorded video stream of the supposed skeleton competition had a significant uploading glitch, thousands were shown the original unedited footage of athletes in full green screen environments.

Many athletes and coaches have refused to speak on the subject, mimicking the Olympic organizers’ own reluctance to share the truth of the current 2026 winter games. Guy Drut, the French representative in the International Olympic Committee added that, “the soul of the Olympics is the most important thing, the details matter not.”

The goal of this team is to give students more social skills and scholarship opportunities. The popularity of college esports teams, this will allow students to continue to compete at the college level. Competing at

boost their applications to get into some of these high-tech colleges.

Mr. Greenman is creating this esports program because of his enjoyment of esports in recent years, and wants to pursue his goal of creating his own team. He hopes this Friends team can create future esports talents, and grow it into one of the best esports teams in the world. Mr. Greenman states, “I have already started recruiting top talent from all over the East Coast.” He wants the team to compete in which he says is an up and coming esports game. The goal for Mr. Greenman is to build the program and produce talent for his future gaming team that he hopes to call either Project 302 or the First State Phantoms. The name for our school’s esports team will be either The Silent Seekers or 1748 Esports.

the next level will allow students to attend some of the best esports schools in the country, for example, UC Irvine, Miami (Ohio), Georgia Tech, and Cal Berkley. The college guidance office hopes that this will help more students to get involved in extracurricular activities to

According to the limited information provided by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a full report wasn’t released until February 28th, almost a month after the games first commenced. The Italian President addressed the reason for cancellation in a recent private

Mr. Greenman and Mr. Aldridge have agreed that we will turn the Library into a brand new state of the art gaming arena where our esports team will compete. They say we will have the balcony loop around the library for event seating. People will watch from the top while the gamers play down on the floor. They would also like to add a big screen or Jumbotron so fans can see what is going on down on the ground.

The esports team will be a great addition to the athletics program, hoping to bring many more titles and athletes to WFS.

focused their efforts on providing relief for the towns surrounding the mountain range, but with such an extreme natural disaster, fear of international panic was already being discussed.

Considering the last time the games were canceled was in 1940 and 1944, due to World War II, the International Olympic Committee decided to instead create the illusion of their occurrence to maintain the current fragile global peace. The Italian government invested an estimated twenty seven million Euros into constructing a facility in Milan capable of such extreme editing. As of the currently released information, Athletes are competing in online simulators to decide their official olympic ranking, and awarded medals.

Very few athletes have been willing to be interviewed regarding the cancellation and general opinions of those participating, given the attempted secrecy surrounding the circumstances. However, Olympic Skier Lindsey Vonn, due to her injury and immediately being transported to the hospital, agreed to an interview. She said that “most athletes were disappointed at not being able to truly compete, but still wanted to let the rest of the world experience the magic of the Olympics”.

interview, giving light to the severity of the situation. Sergio Mattarella stated that, “due to a large solar-flare, the Cortina d’Ampezzo snowy landscape has completely melted.” The Italian government immediately

Until further notice, watchers can only appreciate the dedication of the athletes to perform for the world and enjoy the still present as ever competitive spirit of the games.

Theatre is Becoming a Mandatory Core Class!

Michael Diprinzio ‘29 Staff Writer

At the beginning of the next school year, there will be a new core class you may notice on your schedule. According to Wilmington Friends School administrators, theatre will become a mandatory core class next year. This means students will now have to take 6 core classes, which are math, history, science, foreign language, English, and theatre. This decision was made because theatre comes with many benefits and skills. The administrators understood that this decision would make many students upset, but they believe the theatre will benefit all students greatly.

One of the main reasons that theatre is getting included in next year’s curriculum is college opportunities. Getting into the top colleges has become more difficult, and colleges are looking for more than just all A’s. They are paying less attention to things like your SAT and prioritising students who are involved in extracurricular activities like musicals, improv, the newspaper, and yearbook. Colleges also pay attention to your confidence and ability to show who you are. Theatre can help strengthen these skills. Doing performances in front of others can be difficult, requiring confidence and focus, which are all skills that colleges pay attention to when looking for the best candidates. Wilmington Friends School’s administration and teachers believe adding activities like Theatre will really help students stand out during the college recruitment process.

English teacher Katy Kenney believes it will really benefit kids who are trying to get into selective schools. Kenney mentioned, “Theatre will make students appear more well-rounded and stand out more than others.”

Wilmington Friends School hopes to see students benefiting and developing through the new theatre program, and hopes it will open opportunities for students even after they graduate.

Theatre builds important life skills that go beyond just college. Students have been experiencing more issues with public speaking every year. Only 25% of students between the ages of 16-24 feel confident speaking in front of an audience, while the other 75% feels very nervous and

Squishy Dumplings Take Over WFS

Annie Rosenthal ‘27 Staff Writer

At this point, everyone has heard of the viral TikTok squishy dumplings. They are blowing up online and flying off the shelves at stores across the country. The love for the dumplings has inspired our school to give one out to each student and faculty member! The news spread over the mid-winter break and has since spread excitement throughout the halls. Students will be holding more than just pens and pencils, but now dumpling-shaped fidget toys that will only make someone smile.

These small, palm-sized fidget toys are soft and squishy, with a slime-and-gel-like mixture inside. They come in different colors and sizes, and there is a rare selection of glitter dumplings that you may be lucky enough to open. When the school hands them out, they will remain wrapped, so you won’t know what color you get, but the school will only buy the small size to keep them affordable. Keeley Galbraith ‘27, who some call the most obsessed “dumpling girl” you will ever meet, describes her experience with finding one of these dumplings as “intense but worth it.” Galbraith ‘27 was one of the few lucky individuals to get a glitter dumpling and describes the experience as “very fun and exciting.” After opening her rare find, she posted it on TikTok, and her video has now exceeded 12,000 views! This shows the impact of these small but delightful squishy toys.

Finding these dumplings seems to be the most challenging part for our school. These dumplings have

The Whittier Miscellany

unconfident. Theatre classes encourage students to talk, act, and sing in front of larger groups of people, students outside of their comfort zone. Memorising lines helps improve memorisation skills and literary skills.

Also, one of the most important skills, other than public speaking and confidence, is the skill of improvising. When practising and performing, students will need to improvise because there will always be mistakes, and they cannot just stop. Teachers say improvising is a very important skill to have in life, and performing shows will force students

to strengthen this skill.

Katy Kenney also mentions that, “I believe improvisation is one of the most important skills, because you need to improvise in everyday activities. I also believe it is important for students to improve on this skill, because many people start presenting and then freeze when an error occurs, throwing off the entire presentation.” Skills like these are as important or even more important than the ones you learn in the classroom. They are real-life skills that you will use daily.

As people are reading this, they are probably thinking negatively about this new core class. Many people are probably thinking about what they are going to do next year

become nearly impossible to locate as everyone and their mothers have been on the search for them. The most common places to find them are at your local Walmart or Five Below. Galbraith ‘27 explains her experience with being able to find so many, saying, “It is very hard to find the;, they are at Five Below, and they restock not that frequently. I found them at my local Five Below; my sister’s friend went there and found some, so we went to the same store. One of the Five Below employees informed me that they sold out at their store in 10 minutes.” Because of how quickly they sell out, the school’s ability to secure enough for every student has been a surprising success and has only added to the growing excitement around campus.

According to the faculty organizers, this idea was brought up when they were discussing different ways to help relieve stress amongst the students. After discussing what type of dumpling they would be purchasing and how much of a difference it would truly make. They ultimately came to the conclusion that this investment would positively benefit the students and any faculty interested in it. The dumplings will be handed out during our next advisory meeting, and there have already been rumors throughout the halls of the students’ excitement towards this.

These little toys go beyond making a student smile but also extend to supporting a student’s wellness as it could help them stay focused during class. What started as an internet trend has quickly turned into a shared campus activity that students are looking forward to. With the squishy dumplings on their way to our campus, it is safe to say that our halls will not only be filled with more smiles but also some color and hopefully some glitter.

when this class starts. How are they going to memorise scripts or perform in front of large groups of people?

Maxwell Brown ‘29 has experienced thoughts like these. Brown ‘29 stated, “When I heard this news, I had very similar thoughts to the ones you just stated, but once you told me that having thoughts like these emphasises why a theatre program is needed, and thinking about what you just said really made my point of view on this new course positive and less negative.”

The teachers who will be teaching this course are aware that it is new, and they are prepared to work through these challenges with the students. Having thoughts like these emphasises why students need theatre, because of the fear of speaking in front of groups and having to put in the effort to memorize scripts. The goal of this new theatre class is not intended to be looked at negatively, but rather as an opportunity for improvement and growth. This class will be a pass/fail, so all that matters is that you put in effort during rehearsal and the final performance, and you will succeed in this class.

Wilmington Friends School’s administration continues to support their decision on the new core class, saying communication and public speaking are among the most important skills students can develop. The ability to stay calm under pressure and work as part of a team are qualities and skills that matter in nearly every career. Skills you would not be able to gain by attending classes where students just look at a board all day or stare at a textbook.

Supporters believe that theatre is the best option to encourage all of these skills in one class, and you will not be able to find an option better than this. If students just put in effort and work in this class, like they would in any other class. This will greatly benefit all students and will develop skills that will stay with you the rest of your life, starting with the class of 2027, and hopefully the new freshman class every year.

Administration Considers ‘Full Transparency’ Initiative

Psalm Bortei-Doku ‘26 Staff Writtier

Students returning from spring break will be met with an unexpected change to the school’s security. The school will soon begin installing additional security cameras throughout the campus as part of what administrators are calling a “necessary safety initiative.”

While there may be some already present cameras at entrances, according to a statement shared in an email to parents, the new plan proposes broader coverage to eliminate blind spots, and strengthen overall campus security. Some places that are expected to receive cameras are in stairwells, classrooms, and possibly even bathrooms.

Mrs. Ildikó Miller, who sent out the initial message, emphasised that the initiative is rooted in prevention rather than punishment.

“Our priority is making sure students feel safe,” Mrs. Miller said in an interview. “Over the past few years, schools nationwide have faced increasing safety concerns. Expanding coverage is one way to ensure that if something does happen, we can respond quickly and accurately.”

Mrs. Miller explained that the system upgrade would include higher-resolution cameras, microphone extensions, and more advanced technology. The goal is not constant surveillance of individual students, but improved documentation in the event of incidents such as skipping class or more extreme cases like vandalism.

“It’s about accountability and response,” Mrs. Miller added. “When there’s an issue, having clear footage helps resolve situations fairly and quickly.”

Some students who received the news early aren’t fully convinced, however.

Guillermo Romero Feito ‘26 said the announcement left him feeling uneasy. “I understand wanting the school to be safer,” Guillermo claimed, “But hearing there might be cameras basically everywhere doesn’t sound that great. Being watched all the time is kinda creepy.”

Feito ‘26 also expresses concerns on the exact placement of some of these cameras. “They mentioned ‘common areas’ but I’m not sure if that includes bathrooms. And what about locker areas? I’m not sure I can handle that.”

While the official statement did not mention anything about cameras being present inside of restrooms or other private areas, it didn’t eliminate the possibility, so some students worry that the unclear wording still leaves a chance.

“I just kinda hope they don’t take it too far or that’s just trespassing,” Feito ‘26 added.

Mr. Nicholas Ordway, who is assisting with the technical setup, offered insight into how the system might benefit students.

Mr. Ordway argued that “this isn’t about secretly watching students, and there might actually be a bright side to this” and followed up by presenting a scenario:

“Students forget things in my class accidentally all the time, and it’s always stuff that they need. If a student left their jacket in my class, with the security cameras, I could

Banned Beats

Toni Opawumi ‘29 Staff Writtier

Music has been what keeps the students of Wilmington Friends School alive and focused; it was a way for them to express themselves through songs that make them happy. But what happens when that song is threatened? Imagine a school day without music, in classes, awkward silence fills the rooms as students work quietly, jittery and unfocused. No more happy tunes uplifting the students when they’re stressed. The Wilmington Friends School staff plans to block all apps that generate music, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and many more. Will the music return in the coming years... or will it be gone forever?

As the academic year is close to an end, the teachers are getting more annoyed and stressed with the loud and rowdy classrooms. The IT team is going to do something about it.

“We are tired of hearing all this incessant, noisy, loud music in the hallway. It is distracting and stresses us all out.” Kate Hendrix claims, as a teacher known for being nice but stern. While she understands why the students love the music, she believes that even if they are upset in the beginning, they will get over it.

In response to her message, Ryan Berry, the computer science teacher, reveals, “We have been working on a code that no one can hack, so we can put the music to an end.” Rumors around the school are saying that the IT team is working all day and all night to make an unhackable code to stop music entirely for Wilmington Friends students, so if they try to get it back, it won’t work. But as the rumors grow, the students become more suspicious of what is coming in the future of Wilmington Friends School.

While all the teachers seem to know, now the students are being left in the dark. Teagen O’Donnell ‘29 cannot even begin to fathom the questions asked of her. In disbelief, she says, “You must be joking, they can’t take the music right?” This certain quote is louder than any actions the students can produce in a reaction to the music being gone. It expresses the confusion and worry the students will endure once the music is banned.

search for the exact location of the student and deliver it back to them. Not only do I avoid sending a message that they might not see on time, but they won’t have to go home shivering if my class door is locked.”

According to Mr. Ordway, the installation process will happen over phases over the next month, starting with hallways, then moving on to classrooms, and so on. This is to make sure that feedback can be received before the complete setup is finished, and it might reduce resistance to the change.

The debate on the camera’s effects led to an additional idea that might help with balancing security and comfort.

Mrs. Miller acknowledged that transparency will be key moving forward. Speaking for the administration, she claimed, “We don’t want students feeling anxious. We plan to host a forum next week where students voice their questions and concerns about placement, privacy, and data stored.”

Mr. Ordway agreed with the suggestion, noting, “when people hear ‘cameras everywhere,’ it sounds intense, but in practice, it’s more about covering gaps than persistent monitoring.

With what will happen next, the school board is expected to finalise the policy by the end of the month. In the meantime, take some time to think about how these cameras might change activity.

Whether students ultimately feel reassured or wary may depend not just on the cameras themselves, but on how clearly administrators communicate their purpose.

As new lenses appear quietly in classrooms and hallways, make sure to dress nicely and smile for the cameras. It’s going to be a picture day every day!

The students of Wilmington Friends are left pondering the one question on everyone’s mind. Will the music return? Are my favorite songs gone forever? Are we forced to finish work in silence now? We asked these questions to Todd Tyler, one of the main Computer Support Technicians at Wilmington Friends. He stated, “ We have no plans to return music to Wilmington Friends school because we have gotten so many overwhelming complaints from different teachers from upper school to middle school, even lower school!”

The ban on music at Wilmington Friends School represents a shift in the daily lives of the students. As the school moves on with the ban, the students are left wondering whether the silence will improve learning or if the absence of music will make the school seem less welcoming and inspiring.

Mr. Childers, Where Did You Go?

Gavin Gray ‘28 Staff Writer

Nicholas Childers, a teacher at Wilminton Friends School, reportedly vanished on Monday morning, March 1st, 2026. Childers, an avid runner, goes on a run every morning around 4 am. He grabs his jacket and hat and heads out the door into the dark morning. He says, “My favorite time to run is early in the morning because it allows me to think about the day ahead, and process my thoughts.” He says that even in cold weather, it is very peaceful because there are not many people up yet. He adds, “It also is one of the only times I can run during the day between teaching and spending time with my family.”

Childers has missed a day or two of work before to care for his family when they were sick, but he never forgets to email his students. Normally, these emails include what they’ll be doing in class that day, and instructions to be respectful to the substitute teacher. However, on Monday, the 1st of March, there was no email or any sign that he wouldn’t be at school.

Eris Connor ‘28 said, “Mr. Childers always sends messages when he is going to be absent.” Dylan Legum ‘28 added, “This is very out of the ordinary. I don’t think he’s ever not sent a message.” It is apparent that Mr. Childers’ students were all very concerned for him after his

disappearance.

The following Monday, Mr. Childers came back to school. All of his students were eager to discover what happened to him. They asked, “Were your daughters sick?” “Is your wife okay?” “Did you go on vacation?” But Mr. Childers refused to answer their questions. He said, “Friends, nothing interesting happened. Now, let’s get back to work.”

Although Mr. Childers denies that anything happened while he was away, his students have noticed a change in his behavior. Gianna Rivera ‘28 says, “He’s been acting really weird lately.” “I think something happened, for sure.”

Julia Provo ‘28 says, “I’m in Mr. Schropp’s history class, but I heard Mr. Childer’s been kidnapped and I’m really worried. This past fall in study hall, he was a super nice teacher.”

Although there is no information to suggest whether something happened or didn’t happen, there are definite signs that Mr. Childers is not the same as before his disappearance. One of his students in 9th grade, Ginger Wehler ‘29, theorizes that, “Mr. Childers definitely found a U.F.O. or some Alien thing and got sent to Area 51!” While this theory is way out there, it is very plausible that something strange happened to Mr. Childers.

It is believed that Childers disappeared during his run near Springfield High School on Saxer Avenue, around 4:30 am. He says, “I don’t remember anything out of the ordinary. I went on my normal 4 am run and came back to get ready for work.” “And here I am.” He adds, clearly unaware that an entire week has passed between his run and when he arrived at school. Carlos Phillips ‘28 says, “This morning our class had to wait outside his room for 20 minutes because he thought he had a free class period. I don’t think he knows his schedule.”

WFS Staff ask that students give Mr. Childers space until he is back to normal, and do not make a big deal of him being late to a class or two. There is not enough information to confirm whether something happened to the beloved teacher, but people will believe what they want to.

WFS Announces Mandatory Uniform Policy for Fall 2026

Victoria Gasta-Domínguez ‘29 Staff Writer

Wilmington Friends announced this week that a mandatory uniform policy will go into effect beginning in the fall of 2026. The decision, according to school officials, came after several months of review. Under the new policy, female students will be required to wear a polo shirt, a plaid skirt, a navy blazer with our school logo, and socks that extend at least 2 inches above the ankle, while male students must wear a polo shirt and khaki pants, along with socks that rise at least 4 inches above the ankle. While the school administrators say the rule is designed to help improve focus and promote equity, the policy has already sparked strong reactions across campus.

According to the Head of Upper School J.R. Neiswender, the decision is meant to build community balance and focus among students. “We are always thinking about ways to strengthen our Quaker community,” J.R. says. “Uniforms can help create a sense of equality and reduce distractions so students can focus on learning.”

While the administration says the change would support equity, some students think the policy might also solve another issue: outfit selection. In the proposal summary, administrators mentioned reducing social pressure around clothing choices. Some students admit that deciding what to wear every morning can be stressful. In particular, many face the fear each morning of accidentally repeating a loved outfit. Emily Lenz, 29’, says, “I think it would make mornings easier. If everyone’s wearing the same thing, you don’t have to worry about repeating an outfit.” Other students not only agree but also believe that this new rule can help students learn how to dress professionally, which is an important skill to take into adulthood.

Teachers also shared their thoughts. Ms. Miller sees both positive and negative sides to the idea. “I think uniforms could create a stronger sense of unity, but I also know students will mess

with the dress code and really test its limits. It’s just how high school works.”

Not everyone is convinced that these uniforms will really improve focus. Some even believe that there is no use to the policy at all. Lilly Winchell, 29, says, “I don’t think my math grade depends on what sweatshirt I wear, but maybe that's just me.” Other students are distraught regarding the financial burden that the new policy creates. Delaney Gaul, 29, spent so much time curating the perfect wardrobe for school, just for it to be taken away. She says, “Clothes are how you express yourself. This is ridiculous! I literally just bought a new top for school.”

The most controversial details of the policy include the specifics of how the uniform must be worn. Sleeves that are rolled up too tightly, or an off-blue blazer that is not the right shade, will result in an immediate warning from the faculty member who sees the offense.

Administrators are also considering a weekly “Uniform Reflection” during advisory, where students would discuss how coordinated attire impacts their academic mindset. A draft agenda includes prompts such as: How did wearing your polo shirt today influence your approach to solving problems in math?

If approved, the policy would begin in Fall 2026, meaning current seniors would not be affected. Incoming freshmen would be the first class required to follow the new policy. For now, students are waiting to see whether the proposal becomes official. Will uniforms actually increase focus, or will they just make laundry easier for everyone? Will students be able to finally stop worrying about outfit repeats? Everyone, under the new policy, will technically be repeating the same one. Until more information is announced, students can only be sure that the WFS hallways will look very different next year.

Gone Too Soon: Java Nook Closing In Under One Year Of Re-Opening

Blaire Princilus ’29 Staff Writer

Yes, it’s true! The Java Nook, a beloved spot on the WFS campus dedicated to encouraging connection with peers, creating safe spaces to work, and many, many quick snacks between morning classes, is gearing up to close in coming weeks! Coming off a big re-opening, allowing students to purchase quick snacks after the closing in 2020 due to COVID-19, it was hard to spot the booths' quiet decline in interest and sales. Many students enjoyed going to the Nook during breaks between classes to pick up a bag of chips to save the walk to the cafeteria, or a hot dog at halftime during a basketball game. Its convenience brought many students joy, excitement, and full stomachs. So, how did this happen? How did a spot so popular on the WFS campus reach its downfall in just under 1 year of being reopened?

Before the Java Nook faced a decline in popularity and sales, when it initially re-opened in the fall, its convenience to students and faculty made it appear as a very promising and revolutionary addition to campus. Zoe Krasulja '29 is a well-known Java Nook enthusiast at WFS. When she talks about her love for the spot, Krasulja says, “The Java Nook is arguably one of the best things they have brought to Friends. I eat my lunch there, I do my work there, and I study after school at the same table in the Java Nook every day.” She says, “I always crave snacks while I'm at school, and the Java Nook makes it so easy for me to pick up a quick snack, especially brownies.” This is common among many other students in the community, and the line during morning break occasionally stretches all the way to Mr. Bennett's room around the corner!

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New Classes Coming to WFS

Sofia Velastegui-Fratticci ’28 Staff Writer

Wilmington Friends offers a great selection of classes and courses that enhance students’ learning experience and teach them the many ways to engage in an academic environment. With all that Friends has to offer, it’s hard to question what more students could ask for; however, discussions around students suggest they want “cooler,” more “interesting” classes that offer a wider variety of learning experiences. Julia Provo 28’ said to her friend, “Even though they are all required, some of the classes here are boring,” to which Ella Lindsey 29’ responded with, “Yeah, totally, I’ve heard of the kind of classes Sallies and Wilmington Charter have. They’re pretty cool.” Recent news suggests that Provo ‘28 and Lindsey ‘29 are just in luck… Wilmington Friends will soon officially announce new classes that students can enroll in for the fall of 2026!

The school did not take long to finally bring this idea to fruition, as the first class being offered is common at other schools in the Wilmington area. The school will be presenting a culinary class! Yes, a chance for students to learn to cook, bake, fry, and grill! A culinary class is ideal for teaching essential life skills, promoting healthy eating habits, and fostering self-sufficiency. A hands-on course like this is beneficial in so many ways; not only will students be cooking or baking super tasty treats, but they will also be learning teamwork, safety, and creativity. A class like this can also give students an idea of careers they might want to pursue in the future. This might be one of the greatest ideas yet for WFS. Make sure to apply to the course fast!

Another idea Friends has thought long and hard about is a history class! WFS might already have 5 or 6 history classes, but… this would be a Movie history class. Interesting, huh? Students would watch movies deeply rooted in history that contain all the facts about important historical events, then discuss them as a class. Films are a great way to visualize history, which can be especially helpful for visual learners. This would not be a mandatory class but rather an interesting alternative to existing history classes. Like, for example, American History, which tenth graders are required to take. This movie class could be called… American History Movies! Or…. American History through movies! It is rumored that a Google form will be sent out with ideas for names and possibly movie suggestions. So keep an eye out for that!

A potential addition that took deep thought from the administration at Friends was a dance class. This may sound silly to some, but it would be in the same vein as the Improv class that WFS already offers to students. This dance class is also under consideration for recognition as a sport, with students eligible to receive official sports credits for participating. A dance class would be a positive, fun way to bring movement and relaxation to the stressful lives of students. Dance can positively affect students by enhancing their physical health while boosting their mental well-being. Not just that, but a dance class could also teach some great life skills like discipline, teamwork, and confidence. Who doesn’t want to feel confident? Supposedly, administrators will come around the school asking students what kinds of dances they want to learn in the new class. Tango? A funky hip hop dance? Or a very elegant waltz? Who knows what kind of fun dance styles this class could offer?

There’s no need to be overwhelmed by the upcoming changes to the Wilmington curriculum; changes are good, and these aren’t the only ones. Who knows what other classes WFS might bring to our school in the future? Whatever they are, we all know that WFS offers nothing less than the best!

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Regarding staff at WFS, it was a beloved spot for faculty members as well. The Java Nook exclusively offered free cups of coffee to faculty members on Fridays, a treat everyone enjoyed. Taiasha Elmore, a receptionist at WFS, described her Friday cups as “the best coffee I’ve ever tasted,” and she mentioned, “They really need to start selling this coffee in convenience stores. I crave the coffee from the Java Nook almost every day!”

So, when did the Java Nook’s downfall begin? Well, after the initial excitement of the re-opening wore off, students and faculty simply stopped going to the Java Nook. Even though of its convenience and proximity to the Upper School hallways, complaints started to emerge about the space. Kami Freeman ‘29, a die-hard cafeteria fan, says, “The Java Nook simply became too crowded ever since they started selling food again. In the cafeteria, I can go to a secluded, quiet booth with my friends and enjoy the peace and quiet.” Tillie Hopkins ‘29 says, “I wish they sold eggs, bacon, and French toast sticks in the Java Nook in the morning. I started going back to the cafeteria instead of the Java Nook because of this.”

As complaints began to be filed quickly, students began to abandon the Java Nook around 3 months after its reopening. Customers began to decline, which led sales to fall to low levels. Krasulja recalled, “Around a week ago, I came to the Java Nook during break, and my jaw dropped when I saw no one there. I was so confused why people weren’t buying their snacks at the Java Nook, and when I went down to the cafeteria to check where everyone was, I was met with the long line that used to be at the Java Nook at the cafeteria instead.” Some students say Krasulja was seen crying on one of the round wooden tables in the Java Nook later that day due to students being “traitors”.

Even though the staff fought long and hard, the sales failure and declining popularity became too much for the school to handle and fund. In the coming weeks, the Java Nook will close down, with its long, complicated re-opening coming to an end. Many students will have to adjust to the change, and Elmore said, “I don’t know how I’ll go without my free cup on Friday.” It is certain that this loss will be hard to endure, as students have lower energy and even lower happiness. The Java Nook had a great run on the WFS campus during its second opening, proving even better than the first, but the toll it took on the school’s funds was too high for the school to bear. Students and faculty alike will have to learn to cope with this new era of a “Java-Nookless campus”.

Mistake Notice

We apologize for the error in our last issue regarding the “The Truth About I’m Fine” article. The staff writer’s name who wrote the article is “Victoria” not “Sofia”. We appreciate your understanding.

The Whittier Miscellany

2025-2026

Masthead

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Emma Lavelle ‘26 & Cora Lohkamp ‘26

FACULTY ADVISOR: Carrie Simpson

COMMUNITY EDITOR: Scarlett Murphy ‘27

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR: Gabby Hamilton ‘27

NEWS EDITOR: Ani Seidl ‘26

SPORTS EDITOR: Olivia Agne ‘27

SCI & TECH EDITOR: Gianna Cottone ‘26

MANAGING EDITOR: Ethan Halaby ‘27

STAFF WRITERS:

Aubrey Ashman ‘26

Gavin Gray ‘28

Liza Green ‘27

Psalm Bortei-Doku ‘26

Isla White ‘29

Ellie McQuillan ‘28

Kylie Poole ‘28

Blaire Princilus ‘29

Abigail Terrell ‘27

Toni Opawumi ‘29

Colton Loeffler ‘29

Micah Davenport ‘27

Michael DiPrinzio Jr. ‘29

Victoria G-D ‘29

Sofia Velastegui-Fratticci ‘28

Zoë Mooney-Doyle ‘27

Annie Rosenthal ‘27

Henrik Maansson ‘27

Nora Abd El Kader ‘27

Rumi Madonna ‘28

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Morgan Kim ‘27

CARTOONISTS: Micah Davenport ‘27

The Whittier Miscellany is published five times during the school year by high school journalism staff of Wilmington Friends School, 101 School Road, Wilmington DE 19803. To access the Whittier Miscellany online, go to www.wfswhittier.net.